William’s Ball Run

William wants a ball to travel from his chair to a basket on the floor. Dad helps him set broad track pieces on low, steady supports. “The basket will be the finish,” says William.

The first part slopes gently down. Then the track bends towards the basket. William puts a large foam ball at the start and lets go. It rolls along the straight part and reaches the bend.

Instead of turning, the ball rolls over the low outside edge and lands on the mat. William picks it up. “It did not follow my corner,” he says. Dad points to the place it left the track.

They look at the bend from the ball’s direction. The outside edge is very low. “It needs something to guide it round,” says William. Dad finds a broad strip of flexible card in the craft box.

Dad helps tape the card along the outside of the bend. It makes a smooth, higher wall. They check that no tape sticks into the route. William runs his hand gently along the inside.

He places the same ball at the same starting point. It rolls down, touches the new guide and follows the bend. Then it drops into the basket. William laughs at the soft thump.

They try again without moving the supports. The ball follows the same route and lands in the basket once more. “It was not a lucky roll,” says Dad. William checks that the guide is still attached.

William invites his sister to have a turn. He shows her where to let go and points out the new wall. “That part helps it turn,” he explains. Soon the basket is the busiest stop in the room.